Letter to the editor: Reader calls for major changes at school district

November 2, 2016

Dear editor,

I was prompted to write this letter after receiving the Unified School District of Marshfield Messenger.

At a regularly scheduled monthly school board meeting, Mr. Saucerman presented the need for another referendum. His proposed referendum was asking for $3 million per year versus the last one at $2.5 million per year, thus a 25 percent increase.

Responding to a question, he stated the increase was added just in case it was needed. When asked what we would do if only $2.5 million was requested, he replied he could probably find $500,000 some place in the budget. His statements are troubling.

With the nontransparency and other issues with the board and staff, I feel it is time for some changes, changes that will go a long way to bring back transparency, realistic budget planning, and involve teachers in the educational planning process.

I propose that Bohon, Leifheit, and Stueland resign from the board and Dee Wells, Pat Saucerman, and the communication director be given the opportunity to find a different job elsewhere.